Market vendors told to relocate
MORE than 70 roadside vegetable vendors in Nakasi, Nausori who dismantled their stalls in preparation for Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasa have been told they cannot return and trade from the same spot.
Frustrated vendor Aruna Devi said they were extremely disappointed when the information was conveyed to them.
“The only notice that we received was on Thursday which told us to remove or secure our stall for the cyclone but on Thursday and yesterday, they restricted us from selling,” she said.
Ms Devi claimed the council seized all their shed structure materials and their vegetables to stop them from selling.
“When we went home on Thursday after securing our shed and covering our leftover vegetables, the council came and took everything and cleared the place.”
She said the vendors needed a market in the Nakasi area.
“We do not want to relocate. We need a small market to be constructed here and we are willing to pay the fees for that market.”
Another vendor, Akanisi Rabura, said selling vegetables was her only source of income and shifting the market would mean an increase in competition and less income.
“During this Christmas time, it is very hard to cope with all the financial difficulties as I have children too,” she said.
“The council said they want to prepare a flower garden in this area so why not allow us as we are not harming anyone.”
Nausori Town Council CEO Anurashika Bari said having small structures along the roadside was dangerous and challenging during the cyclone season.
“We are not stopping them from selling, however, we want them to relocate to a permanent location for the safety of the public and themselves,” she said.
The vendors were advised to relocate to the Nausori, Makoi or Laqere markets.